Ethics In The Workplace
Ethics in the Workplace
Walking into work one morning one notices a 100 dollar bill on the floor outside the office of the most disliked manager at work. The thought passes through the mind that no one likes him and he makes enough money he will not miss the bill. As you go to pick up the crisp new bill you look over at the low paid secretary and think maybe she dropped the bill after cashing her check. Would you pick it up and walk away or would you turn it into the proper officials? Are you asking yourself, who cares? Why is this question so important? The way this employee handles this situation shows how he uses the process of ethical reasoning and how he applies his values. The way an employee acts, functions or behaves, directly influences the success of a company.
Webster's defines ethics as "a set of moral principles or values, the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group and a guiding philosophy". Why would companies want to employ individuals with good moral principles or values? Will having employees with positive principles of conduct or values put companies in the position to achieve their goals and be successful? Most company's strive goals are, achieving their profit goals, having a good reputation in the marketplace or community and to provide strong leadership and a good working environment for their employees.
The first reason that ethical behavior is important in the workplace today is by employing workers who possess positive ethical behaviors or skills, the company can achieve greater productivity and profits. As stated in the Miniature Guide to Ethical Reasoning, by Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder, 2003, "values such as honesty, integrity and a deep concern for the well being of others are tendencies that can be actively combated through cultivation." When the leadership in a company cultivates strong ethical behavior, they instill those values in their employees. In the following...
Please login to view the full essay...